Aragua State is located squarely in northern Venezuela, along the central coast. The region encompasses a variety of climes, including beaches, plains, and jungles, the latter of which is home to one of the state’s many industries: cacao farming. The municipalities of Choroní, Ocumare, and Chuao are some of the most famous & historic cacao-growing areas of Venezuela, as well as the home of— arguably— its most beautiful beaches. In Ocumare the main industries are fishing and cacao production, while Chuao is famously close to the capital city of Caracas, but difficult to get to. The village is only accessible by travelling via boat from nearby Choroní, and then trekking a few miles inland.

Chuao is a Venezuelan Criollo variant from the coastal Chuao region, with a reputation for aromatic complexity rooted in its specific terroir. As a heritage variety with protected designation status in Venezuela, it represents both genetic significance and the cultural importance of regional cacao identity. Chuao cacao is said to be a carefully-fermented representation of the best varietals from Venezuela, rich with berries and a sharp cocoa base, finishing heavy. Differentiating a cacao as “chuao” is not to necessarily name it a pure criollo, but to clarify that it comes from the coastal village of Chuao, an area isolated to the point that its cacao has developed its own unique blend of flavors.